Villa close in on N'Zogbia deal

25 July 2011 09:00

Aston Villa have resumed talks with Wigan over signing winger Charles N'Zogbia and are close to agreeing a fee, Press Association Sport understands.

Wigan had rejected Villa's bid of £9million for the former Newcastle player.

But the two clubs held further discussions over the weekend and are believed to be not far from reaching a compromise figure of around £9.5million.

New Villa boss Alex McLeish needs a new winger after the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively this summer.

He will take nothing for granted after failing to sign N'Zogbia when Birmingham boss last summer.

But a deal would also suit Wigan as N'Zogbia could leave them for nothing next summer when his current contract runs out, although a transfer now will depend on club owner Dave Whelan giving his seal of approval.

If an agreement is reached, N'Zogbia will hold talks over personal terms in the next 24 hours and undergo a medical before signing what is expected to be a five-year deal.

He would be likely to have to wait to join up with Villa's first-team squad.

McLeish's team are currently on a pre-season tour of Hong Hong and N'Zogbia does not have the required work visa.